Houston pushed the pace in the second half and outscored USF 29-8 in the first 9:18 of the half to take a 72-44 lead. South Florida (7-6, 3-4) got as close at 76-61 with 6:01 remaining, but did not hit another field goal.
Justin Gorham added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars.
David Collins led South Florida with 18 points and five rebounds. Michael Durr had 14 points and seven rebounds.
THE BIG PICTURE
Houston: The Cougars have won 10 out of the past 11 games and continue to look like the class of the American Conference.